Northern Kentucky took advantage of No. 1 Lynn’s 4-2 loss to Tampa to take over as the top-ranked NCAA Division II men’s team in the NSCAA/adidas rankings.
It is the first time the Norse has attained the No. 1 ranking.
A 1-0 double-overtime decision over No. 15 Southern Illinois at Edwardsville followed by a 1-0 win against Quincy improved NKU to 12-0-0 overall and 7-0-0 in the Great Lakes Valley Conference.
The goalkeeping platoon of senior Andy Ortman and freshman Michael Lavric has combined for nine shutouts. The Norse backfield — seniors Andy Bacon and Dan Impellizzeri, junior Eric Ashworth and sophomore Alex Allison — has kept opposing strikers at bay.
Fifth-year coach John Basalyga has been impressed by the defensive teamwork the Norse has shown.
“It’s all about them committing to this team and working together towards something special,” he said.
Braden Bishop leads NKU with eight goals, including the game-winning penalty kick against SIUE.
“I can’t wait to see the guys in practice today,” quipped Basalyga after the weekly rankings were announced. “We’ll all have smiles on our faces.”
After a moment of pause, he added, “well, until we start running, anyway.”